Asian countries beef up flu-fighting plans

MANILA, Philippines, April 30 (UPI) -- Asian health officials activated pandemic plans, tightened border surveillance and stockpiled drugs, responding to a heightened worldwide alert on swine flu.

Hong Kong, the Philippines and Australia activated swine flu hot lines Thursday and urged citizens to maintain good hygiene as officials step up efforts to prevent an outbreak, Voice of America reported.

The human swine flu outbreak originated in Mexico, where health officials blame the virus for at least 150 deaths and more than 2,000 illnesses. The H1N1 virus has spread to four continents.

The World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to phase 5, its second-highest level.

In the Asia-Pacific, only New Zealand has confirmed cases of swine flu, WHO data indicate.

Philippine health officials went on television Thursday to alert the public of the threat of a pandemic, with Health Secretary Francisco Duque saying personal hygiene was the first line defense against the virus.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the government increased surveillance at borders, including using thermal scanners at eight international airports.

"Furthermore from tomorrow evening, all international passengers will be asked to fill in health declaration cards to report flu-like symptoms," Rudd said.

Japanese officials said quarantine checks will be tighten.